I will have the students utilize their prior knowledge of gel electrophoresis (previous period) and tackle an inquiry activity that allows them to solve a mystery based by evaluating DNA samples. The students will have the DNA of fish poachers. One of the fisherman worked in a restricted area. DNA was collected from the restricted area. Having multiple samples of DNA, the students will have to utilize their prior knowledge of the structure of DNA as well as the function of gel electrophoresis to solve this mystery.
In terms of scientific practices, the students will have to create questions that will allow them to formulate a hypothesis (who did it?). The students will also need to have an understanding of the effect of contamination of lab equipment on results. The students will have to utilize their knowledge of the DNA structure when analyzing the results. The students will also have ask the appropriate questions if they do not obtain the results that are consistent with their hypothesis. Ultimately, the students are using this lab to create a product, a gel with multiple DNA samples that have separated under electrophoresis. With this data, the students will have to analyze the separation patterns and form a conclusion about the fisherman who worked in the restricted area.
I will evaluate the students by having the students complete a take-home test that evaluates their comprehension and application of DNA technology for practical purposes. From the results of the gel electrophoresis activity, the students will have to investigate the DNA samples of the suspects and compare it to the DNA sample found at the scene. On the test, the students will be asked to outline their scientific thinking (questions, hypothesis, analysis of results, extrapolation and conclusion) from start to finish.
I will have the students utilize their prior knowledge of gel electrophoresis (previous period) and tackle an inquiry activity that allows them to solve a mystery based by evaluating DNA samples. The students will have the DNA of fish poachers. One of the fisherman worked in a restricted area. DNA was collected from the restricted area. Having multiple samples of DNA, the students will have to utilize their prior knowledge of the structure of DNA as well as the function of gel electrophoresis to solve this mystery.
In terms of scientific practices, the students will have to create questions that will allow them to formulate a hypothesis (who did it?). The students will also need to have an understanding of the effect of contamination of lab equipment on results. The students will have to utilize their knowledge of the DNA structure when analyzing the results. The students will also have ask the appropriate questions if they do not obtain the results that are consistent with their hypothesis. Ultimately, the students are using this lab to create a product, a gel with multiple DNA samples that have separated under electrophoresis. With this data, the students will have to analyze the separation patterns and form a conclusion about the fisherman who worked in the restricted area.
I will evaluate the students by having the students complete a take-home test that evaluates their comprehension and application of DNA technology for practical purposes. From the results of the gel electrophoresis activity, the students will have to investigate the DNA samples of the suspects and compare it to the DNA sample found at the scene. On the test, the students will be asked to outline their scientific thinking (questions, hypothesis, analysis of results, extrapolation and conclusion) from start to finish.